Tranquil Waters: The Lead Crown
Epilogue

Sandoval could have taken the long footpath down to the base of the cliff along the northern side of Graddin but that would have subjected him to possible attention and an assuredly longer descent.  As with most of his undertakings the swordsman required both speed and tact, thus he elected to descend the rocks from an overhang just a short ways down from the top.  His rope was strong and his skill with knots was unquestioned; he had no doubt he would reach the problem but he still lamented that he had to make the climb.

The swordsman's trip from the top of the precipice to the scant shoreline below took nearly twenty minutes and when he arrived at the bottom he had to swing inward to reach (mostly) dry land.  The various rocks lining the coast for several dozen yards out to sea were unforgiving but at least they broke up the surf and so very little of the wave action cast itself up the small spit of land emerging from the base of the cliffs.

He had heard the crowd around the meeting site repeat time and time again that the stone shards beneath the cliff were an unforgiving, complete, and total carpet of rock-hard death; the Princess was doubtlessly dead but there was some solace in knowing that her assassin had met the same brutal death.  There was little doubt that both battered, crumpled bodies would go without entombment and that the sea crabs would serve as their pallbearers.  Sandoval was far more optimistic... and, despite nearly an hour having elapsed between the assassination of Brother Maynard, he had little doubt that he would be able to locate the Princess; he was right.

Princess Noriene sat beneath a stony outcropping with a blanket across her legs and a towel draped across her shoulders.  She was sipping piping hot tea from a tin mug while two more heated over a carefully curbed fire which would go unobserved from above.  She raised a paw in acknowledgement of his presence as he approached and the swordsman quickened his pace, still managing a hustle over the uneven footing while rushing to her location.  He waited until he was within a muted hailing distance before calling to her.  "I see you found the supplies I left, your Highness."

The Wolf woman nodded, motioning to one of several large rocks near the small fire pit.  "Yes-- many thanks.  And I'm very pleased that you remembered my tea of choice."

Sandoval bowed formally and then proceeded forward bowing his head to avoid the rocky overhang that shielded them from prying eyes.  The Human swept his cape back as he took a seat on the rock indicated.  "I must admit that I had my concerns when you told me you found someone to assist in your plan, but it seems that he was able to pull it off."

Only after saying the words did the swordsman hear the sound of weight shifting off to the side; he turned to regard the shadowy figure within the half-cave and two lupine eyes gleamed in the half-light out at him.  "Noriene was telling me about how she managed to clear out a section of rocks some days ago... if not for that we would have been dead."

Sandoval was surprised when the Princess did not rebuke the stranger for ignoring her title, but the Human came to a realization and he voiced it aloud.  "You do not plan to return to Lehsunia, do you, my Lady?"

She smiled, taking another tin mug off of the fire and handing it to him.  "Whatever do you mean, Sandoval?"

The swordsman accepted it with a nod of his head but he continued appraising her.  "At first I anticipated that this was a ruse to get your older brother to relinquish the throne but as I climbed down here to you I had the time to think.  I do not believe you plan to go back to challenge your younger brother."

She smiled again around her cup as she took another sip of tea.  "Then you would be correct, Sandoval.  I will not be going back to Graddin."

The dark shape in the shadows gave a derisive snort.  "Lehsunia is in good paws."

The false assassin's attitude grated slightly on Sandoval but he let it slide.  Attention still on his Liege-Lady he gingerly tested the tea with his tongue; it was still hot, but he didn't mind since the sea air had blown the heat from his body during the descent.  He gently nursed the cup before speaking again.  "Would I be overstepping my bounds to ask that you return to your home in Soyria?"

The Princess set down her mug and reached over to take the third from the fire, and set it on a rock near the Wolf in the shadows.  "The idea had crossed my mind, yes."

Sandoval's heart fluttered in hope. "The people would rejoice at your return, my Lady.  They would be proud to call you their ruler once again-- I know I would."

The false-assassin spoke up again after sipping from his own mug.  "They must adore you in Soyria, Noriene.  I know your mother would have loved to have known that."

The swords man stood up, ready to object to the familiar tone the stranger was using, but Noriene stood up first and crossed the distance, settling into the darkness with the unknown wolf.  Sandoval's heart fell when she saw her disappear into the blackness, but still seeing well enough to observe her resting her head against the man's chest.  "I miss her more than I can say."

The Human fought against the heavy weight brought about by the mixed feelings he was experiencing.  How did she know the stranger?  She obviously trusted him and apparently cared for him as well.  He held his own council, however, and that was the only reason he was able to hear the other Wolf's quiet reply.  Holding the tea mug in one paw, the stranger gently caressed her shoulder as his other arm encircled her in a half-hug.  "As do I, child... as do I."

Knowing that the Princess had a follower who had known her longer and possibly knew her better than he was agony, but that pain was replaced by confusion the moment Noriene spoke next.  "I've always wanted to show you Soyria... will you come with us, Father?"

Sandoval had to do a double-take, coughing his own tongue out of his mouth in surprise.  It seemed impossible.  "King Hammond?"

The other Wolf pulled the Princess closer.  "King no longer, my friend... just Hammond."

The swords man was stunned in disbelief.  "But... you're... dead?"

He laughed.  "No more than my daughter... although I will admit her 'demise' was far more dramatic than my own."

He somehow managed to wheeze out one word amidst his stunned brain.  "How?"

Noriene smiled.  "Malcom discovered some time ago that Brother Maynard was poisoning Thaddius.  My father confronted him about it and Maynard assured him that it was to help control his outbursts... but we trusted Malcom more.  It was only a matter of time until Maynard tried to poison Father as well.  We were ready for it.  Mayard chose a poison that was hard to detect but easy to counter... and I provided Father with the antidote."

She stood and moved back to her own seat, gazing across the fire at the older Wolf.  Hammond finally moved closer to the fire; even though Sandoval had only seen the King of Lehsunia on two occasions he recognized him immediately.  The Wolf smiled at his daughter then turned his gaze to the swords man.  "She also gave me a tincture that made it appear as though I were dead... and Maynard assumed my fate was sealed."

Sandoval looked from father to daughter and back.  He had always known that Princess Noriene had a keen mind and a shrewd tactical sense; he understood finally where she got it.  He finally addressed the older Wolf.  He still had trouble thinking about using his name informally, so he elected instead to reference him by gaze alone. "Will you finally come with me to Soyria?"

Hammond smiled playfully at his daughter.  "I promised I would not leave Lehsunia until I knew it was in good paws."

The swords man looked to Noriene, who smiled back.  She looked right at Sandoval.  "That's a yes."

* * * * * *

Nicole didn't wait longer than necessary in hanging around the University; the militia from Vallara had done their job and she was not only eager to return them home but to return WITH them.  Inigo lingered at the entryway to the University, stopping long enough to look over his shoulder as he inquired "Do you think they'll be alright?"

She wasn't really sure how to answer the question, and so she countered with one of her own.  "The University, or Alvis?"

Inny skip-jogged down the stairs to catch up.  "Alvis and Roland."

She shook her head, speaking in as even a tone as she could manage despite the weight of the losses on her mind.  "I don't know if Roland will survive... I suppose that's up to the doctors.  But he's a scholar; I'm sure they'll do everything they can."

She could tell from the sound of his footsteps on the stairs that he was stalking angry.  He reached out and grabbed her upper arm and spun her around.  "Stop a minute!"

Nicole was ready to level one of her severe gazes at him; it was usually enough to let him know he'd overstepped his bounds.  At that moment, however, she couldn't manage to summon one.  HAD he really overstepped his bounds?  She let out a sigh and let her eyes fall from meeting his gaze.  "I don't know what to say, Inny... do you just want me to lie and say that everything'll be alright?  I can't guarantee it will... I... I can't."

He released her arm a moment later and she was surprised when he pulled her to his chest.  "Can you at least tell me that YOU will be?"

A distinct voice calling from a nearby alley caused her to recoil from Inigo and draw her still-bloodied sword.  "Tho oo DO wanh huh to lie, ith it?"

Nicole aimed her sword point accordingly, directing it toward Bartholomeu as the Doberman materialized out of the early-morning shadows between buildings.  Inigo spun toward him as well, pulling out two knives.  "You're like that piece of dung stuck to the bottom of a boot... you refuse to be scraped off."

A second Doberman stepped out beside Bartholomeu. "That brings an unflattering image to mind."

She recognized the newcomer immediately.  "You're one of the Princess' servants."

Bart grinned, pulling out a short blade and a pistol.  "Anh mah boffeh."

Inigo flicked an ear.  "Your what?"

The Doberman sneered.  "Mah boffeh."

The Bat didn't relent.  "Come again?"

The younger of the two Dogs spoke up.  "His brother."

Inigo shrugged.  "Yea... I heard him the first time... I just wanted to see if that spittle on his lip was gonna swing into his shirt when he--"

Nicole pushed the Bat out of the way a moment before Bart's pistol shot rang out.  The second Doberman gave Bart a shove.  "What are you DOING?  A hundred people heard that!"

She stepped closer to Bartholomeu, sword tip pointed at his chest.  "And now your gun is empty."

Bart sneered, reaching into his long trech coat and that was when Nicole acted.  She double-stepped forward, sword leading the way, taking the split-second opportunity to thrust it straight at the Doberman's chest-- only to have it batted away by the younger Dog's weapon... and then she was facing down the barrel of a second pistol.  "THith un ithn'h."

Nicole had once heard that someone shot in the head didn't live long enough to hear the sound of the pistol that killed them and so she was stunned when the clear retort of the pistol was readily audible.  She stepped back then realized that Bart's brother had swung his sword back in, knocking the weapon up and fouling his brother's aim.  "You said you just wanted to talk to her."

She stepped away, swinging her sword in a defensive stance, half in preparation and half to simply taunt Bart.  "You sure you're brothers?  You don't know him that well if so."

The younger Doberman continued to grapple with Bart. "Eeve off... I'm 'onna end thith."

The other Dog didn't relent. "YOU leave off!  There's no money in revenge, Bart."

Nicole glanced first to Bart then to his brother.  "I'm done with him, boy.  I've been done with him for years.  If he's willing to put an end to this I've already forgotten about it."

"You hear that, Bart?  It's done.  Let's just--"

Bart pushed and pulled against his brother's interference and followed up his exclamation with a powerful shove. "Ith NOT ovah, 'ody... it's NOT!"

The younger Dog was finally pushed free of Bartholomeu and he stumbled back, slipping on the uneven cobblestones and he fell backward.  Nicole grit her teeth at the sound of the fleshy crunch when the brother's head landed against a section of stone that lined the edge of the building's corner.  He didn't move, laying where he landed.  She wasn't the only one to notice.

Bartholomeu dropped his sword, falling to his knees.  "No!  'ody!  Waddid ooh mahe me ooh?!?  WHY?!?"

Inigo stood over the kneeling Doberman.  "She didn't make you do anything, Bart... you did it all on your own."

The Dog roared out, pulling another gun from his coat.  "ALL I ANTED TO DO WATH HELP MAH BOTHEH!"

The Bat shook his head.  "Somewhere along the way you screwed it up... bad."

Bart cocked the hammer on his pistol and Nicole jumped, but the gun fired before she could react.

She jumped up in bed, gasping at the image of the Doberman's brains splattering across the alley wall.  It had been almost a month since she'd returned to Vallara but she still had the same dream.  Never had the death of any man she'd killed haunted her as much as that of the man she didn't; something about it stung her deeper, and the soft touch of Inigo's hand on her naked shoulder made her realize what that was: Bartholomeu's reluctance to choose a different path had resulted in the loss of someone who had meant a lot to him.  If things had not turned out differently that could just as easily have been her fate.  The Bat spoke softly.  "Are you okay?"

She nodded quietly, laying back down as she turned to embrace the Bat laying against her.  "The dream again... I'm alright."

Nicole let out a soft breath, nuzzling her face into the thick fur against Inigo's neck.  She caressed the smooth fluff along his belly and she wrapped one of her naked legs around his.  The Bat turned to her and she felt all of him pressed up against all of her, his lips finding hers in the darkness as he embraced her.  Their mouths disengaged a moment later and she felt the hard, slick presence against her thigh of his response to her being so close followed by the firm pressure of him nibbling down on her neck and she gasped out.  "I love you both..."

A second, slightly larger furred form enveloped her from behind and a prominent nose pressed against the back of her head even as Ma'heen spoke.  "And we love you, Nicole."

She closed her eyes anew, shivering with desire as the older Bat's still-fit body slid up to join with her and Nicole let it all go, giving herself over to father and son.  Eager to banish the thoughts of death, she was more than eager to celebrate life with the two most important men in her life.

* * * * * *

Dr. Brownell had not planned to be away from her practice for long but not only was the trip to Newport a lengthy one but she ended up remaining for a surprisingly lengthy stay.  Aside from accepting Kesst's hospitality for three days, Chris also resolved to complete her visit of the University of Progressive thought.  While she anticipated that errand to be no more than a few hours of fighting with the stuff-shirt scholars about her exact status as a doctor the Mouse figured she would return to the Church, gather her gear, and spend the night at a merchant inn before returning to Vallara.  The visit didn't turn out precisely as planned.

Aside from the most obvious problems she had expected to face, one of the interactions she didn't anticipate came in the form of a four pronged Antelope scholar by the name of Tobias Severna.  Despite previous arguments and disagreements she'd had in contest with his own particular mindset, she was even more surprised that he, in fact, came to her aid while she was engaged in a heated discussion with one of the Water Scholars-- it was her slap, she later learned, that had caught Mr. Severna's attention from outside the room and in the hall.

The Water Scholar in question had challenged the validity of her certificate of doctorial practice, having claimed that no one within the University would have granted a diploma to a WOMAN and that she had obviously falsified her entry documentation.  Things only got worse when she had presented copies she'd maintained of those, indicating in no deniable sense "Everything on this application is true, correct, and wholly accurate."

The Otter only gave it a precursory glance before sliding it back to her.  "Except you have your name listed as Chris Brownell rather than Christine Brownell."

She slid the papers right back to the scholar.  "The document requested to know what name I wanted on my certificate of doctorial practice.  I go by 'Chris'."

He slid it right back to her.  "You should have disclosed you were a woman."

Chris hadn't removed her paw from the papers and pushed it right back.  "Did you disclose that you were a jack ass on yours?  No, of course not, because IT DIDN'T ASK."

He removed his fingers from the paperwork.  "Just like a woman to substitute emotion for logic.  Have you considered choosing a much more suitable field of--"

That was where the slap came in... and also where Tobias entered.  The Prong Horn was silent at first and she hadn't noticed him until the Otter looked past her.  "Excuse me, Miss, but it appears a scholar is here on an important matter."

Apparently the Otter had meant to brush her off with that and, indeed he might have succeeded if not for Tobias' next words.  The Prong Horn turned his side to the Water Scholar, ignoring him completely in favor of the Mouse.  "Oh, Dr. Brownell, I'm so glad I found you before you left.  There's a small matter about my father's health with I was hoping to confer with you.  Do you have time for a scheduled appointment before you leave town?"

The Otter glanced between Tobias and Dr. Brownell, eying them both before looking down at the paperwork still seated in front of him on the desk.  He cleared his throat hesitantly and spoke up with a hint of uncertainty.  "Sir, if you need a Doctor the Water Science department has--"

Tobias' first words were directly to her before he turned to address the Otter.  "One moment please... Sir-- I HAVE a Doctor right here.  You haven't heard of THE Dr. Chris Brownell?"

The Mouse paused at the comment, glancing toward the Antelope that, as far as she knew, was almost as tongue-tied as a Frog with a speech impediment, suddenly crushing the opposition of the Otter who had all but stonewalled her.  Regardless, the Water Scholar still attempted to put up a defense.  "Well... of course, there are a LOT of Doctors in the field, and--"

The Prong Horn leveled his gaze at the Otter.  "And Dr. Brownell is the head of her field and stands hands-and-horns above them.  I'm SURE you've heard of the Transitive Convalescence Process?"

The Otter faltered. "The... Transitive Convalescence.... oh... yes, of course... I know of it... quite familiar... very."

Tobias motioned toward Chris.  "THIS is THAT Dr. Brownell."

Dr. Brownell's head was spinning as she attempted to keep up with the Buck's dizzying amount of fan-service as he discussed all of the different merits she didn't even know she had.  In the end the both of them walked away from the Otter's desk with her form bearing the stamp she'd requested.  It wasn't until they were well out of hearing range that she questioned her new escort.  "What exactly is the Transitive Convalescence Process?"

Tobias smiled in her direction.  "I have no idea, but it sounded good, didn't it?"

If her time in Newport had ended there then she would have been home three days later than she'd originally planned, but she surprised herself by staying longer, and that had been instigated by Tobias' brother, a rash, unkempt, unruly Buck by the name of Rolf.  He was, in essence, everything that Tobias was not... and it really opened her eyes to a lot of Tobias' more favorable traits.  Considering she spent five days with both of them it gave her a lot of insight.

She'd accepted Tobias' invitation to spend a few days at his father's house out of a combination of gratitude and courtesy, promising to remain through the duration of Rolf's stay as well.  That sat perfectly fine with Tobias as it would have been unseemly to have had an entire house without a third party to discourage ungentlemanly practices; with his father and his brother there it would not create a scandal-- and that mindset was just one more of the frustrating things Chris had been forced to work through.  Rolf, however, didn't miss that discussion either.

It was the final day of Rolf's stay at the Severna household (and therefore her last day as well).  The adventurous Buck had already said farewells to their father and had specifically asked Tobias and Chris to attend him for a pre-goodbye discussion.  His first words had her smile and Tobias hide his face.  "So, Budder-- how long've you been crushing on the good doc here?"

Tobias' objection was loud enough and embarrassed enough that it almost made her blush.  "ROLF!  That's SCANDALOUS talk!"

The elder brother glanced first to her, then to Tobias, offering her a wink as he spoke.  "Are you daft?  It'd be scandalous NOT have a crush on such a ravishing creature."

Chris was more than willing to humor Rolf, especially since she'd begun to see the effects his discussion's always seemed to have on Tobias.  She pulled out a fan and began fluttering it toward her face.  "Why, Mr. Severna, I DO believe your tongue has overstepped its boundaries."

He leaned forward, glancing first at Tobias before looking back to her.  "If my brother didn't like you so much I'd offer to have it overstep YOUR 'boundaries'."

Despite the playful nature of the banter she was in full mind to honestly slap him for such a crude comment, but she was stunned when Tobias beat her to it-- but it was a full-on punch.  Even as Rolf was picking himself up off the ground Tobias grabbed hold of his own hand, inhaling harshly through his teeth as he cradled his knuckles.  Despite the humor of BOTH brothers and the almost-flattering action Chris' independence took hold.  "You don't have to defend my honor, Tobias... I can do that well enough by myself, thank you."

Rolf was sitting up by that time, and started laughing.  It took a few moments before he was able to add.  "Well... better he bruise his knuckles than you do yours, m'lady... you need yours to keep their surgeon's grace."

She put a paw on Tobias' shoulder and sat back down, taking him with her.  Once they were both seated Rolf returned to his chair as well and she asked him "I assume you didn't call us here to remark on my beauty... or what you would like to do with your tongue..."

Rolf sat back in his chair, tenderly pressing at his nose.  "You're ever so correct, Doctor.  I wanted to talk to you before saying goodbye..."

Despite the angry expression he still wore Chris could tell that Tobias still cared about his brother.  "What do you want to talk about?"

"About not saying goodbye."

Tobias sat up a little straighter.  "You're thinking about staying?"

Rolf grinned.  "No.  YOU could use a little adventure, Budder... and the Wave Rider could use a Doctor.  I think the two of YOU should go with ME."

Dr. Christine Brownell froze on the spot.  There was no way she would be able to go on an extended trip to who-knew-where.  She had entirely too many things to to back in Vallara.  Why did Rolf even think that she would consider such a crazy idea.  She glanced at Tobias, who looked as stunned as she felt.  It meant several more months with the Prong Horn who was both incorrigible and intriguing-- frustrating and endearing.  She released her answer before she could give it a second thought.  "Yes."

Incidentally it was at the exact moment as Tobias said "No."

In an overwhelming moment of embarrassment, Chris quickly corrected herself "I mean, No."

It was precisely the same second when Tobias changed his own answer.  "Uh... Yea-- yes!"

She paused, smoothing out the lace on her right arm.  "I suppose I might be convinced to try a mobile practice for a time."

She saw Tobias almost manage to hide a smile and attempt a very serious announcement which, unfortunately for him didn't come out quite right.  "Every journey is a chance to learn something... and I HAVE been wanting to spend some more time on a broad-- On Broad-- ON BOARD!"

He hid his gaze from her and Rolf laughed, standing up. "Fantastic.  I'll see the both of you on the docks-- 6 o' clock.  Don't be late."

He left the two of them sitting at the table, stunned, looking at one another.  For the first time Christine wasn't entirely sure that Tobias was blushing more than she.